New Orleans Saints: Is it time to let Mark Ingram go?
With free agency almost upon us, the New Orleans Saints have some tough choices to make and Mark Ingram’s future could be their deciding factor.
For years, the New Orleans Saints were known as a pass-heavy team. With Drew Brees at the helm, it made sense. For the last two years though, the team has been recognized for their stellar running game. Starting with them drafting Alvin Kamara, it ushered in a new era for them. The rise of Kamara wasn’t good for everyone, though.
In particular, it left Mark Ingram as his backup. That’s not to say the Saints haven’t already employed a two-back system. They have, but Ingram was definitely the No. 1 guy when they did so previously. In 2017, the roles were flip-flopped and Ingram became Kamara’s backup. With that change and Ingram entering free agency in 2019, could the Saints finally be ready to let go of Ingram?
Let’s look back at Ingram’s career in New Orleans and why he could be headed elsewhere. As the Heisman winner in 2009, Ingram helped led Alabama to an undefeated season and eventually, a title in 2010. The next year, Ingram declared for the NFL Draft and was drafted 28th overall by the Saints.
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Since drafting him, the Saints and Ingram have had a great relationship. He was their No. 1 guy from the time they drafted him until Kamara’s emergence. Even with the carousel of running backs, Ingram was always their guy. As mentioned above, things started to shift in 2017 when the Saints acquired Adrian Peterson and drafted Kamara. Peterson was a bust, but Kamara became a superstar.
With Kamara as their lead back, it only makes sense for Ingram to see what’s out there. Originally, it seemed like the team would trade him in 2017 or 2018, but it wasn’t meant to be. Rumors of a trade with the Eagles circulated, but nothing came to be.
Letting Ingram go makes sense for the Saints as it would free up their cap space and give Kamara a chance to come into his own. We saw a brief sneak peek of what life without Ingram would be. Kamara held down the fort when Ingram was suspended and the Saints won three of those four games. It was a good test for Kamara and for the Saints.
The main reason the Saints shouldn’t stop Ingram is because of his age. The shelf-life of a running back isn’t very long. Ingram has been with the Saints for seven years and arguably already hit his prime. Kamara is still in his prime and undoubtedly has many good playing years left. With the Saints, it’s only a matter of time before Ingram is on the bench more than the field.
Next. Saints must double down in free agency with star player. dark
Letting Ingram become walk in free agency is easily the best solution for both parties. It doesn’t look like the Saints are willing to pay him but another team will be. There are plenty of teams out there who need a veteran running back or a back in general. Ultimately, it will come down to how much the Saints are willing to invest and if Ingram will take a pay cut to stay with the Saints. With a possible Super Bowl run in 2019, it’s best that the Saints figure everything out sooner rather than later.